MyVU Latest Headlines

Vanderbilt University has named Elizabeth Zechmeister vice provost for graduate education and growth initiatives, dean of the Graduate School and the director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, effective July 1. Zechmeister succeeds C. André Christie-Mizell, whose five-year term as dean concludes June 30 after a period of devoted leadership and service to graduate education at Vanderbilt. Read More

In a groundbreaking study published recently in the journal Nature, researchers at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Health have created the first growth charts for white matter in the brain over a human lifetime. The work brings together nearly two decades of Vanderbilt research collaborations, the university’s extensive MRI data collections, and an advanced AI-enabled computing platform. Read More

As an undergraduate, Marcia Fordyce-Steinfurth, BA’94, arrived in Nashville from Washington, D.C., eager to continue her education at another top-tier institution after attending Stone Ridge. At Vanderbilt, she connected with classmates from her hometown as well as peers from a wide range of backgrounds, all while immersing herself in a small-town Southern culture that was entirely new to her. Now, with a daughter at Vanderbilt, Marcia and her husband, P.R. Steinfurth, have witnessed firsthand how the university continues to help students access professional opportunities. Inspired in part by the lasting impact of Marcia’s undergraduate education, the Steinfurths knew they wanted to give back. Read More

In an age defined by information overload, viral narratives, and deepening political divides, Vanderbilt University’s McGee Applied Research Center for Narrative Studies is positioning itself at the forefront of media literacy education. Read More

Tucker Biddlecombe, professor of music in Blair School of Music and associate dean of undergraduate education, will succeed Melissa Gresalfi, who has served since 2019 as dean of residential colleges and residential education and dean of The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons.  Read More

In a time marked by partisan divides and international conflicts, a new Vanderbilt University poll finds personal economic stress looms largest for Tennesseans. Anxiety over the cost of groceries, housing and monthly bills spans political parties and income levels. Deepening malaise about the cost of living is reflected by more than half of Tennesseans saying the country is headed in the wrong direction.  Read More

Vanderbilt University is expanding its commitment to academic, professional and personal growth for their students. Dialogue Vanderbilt, the university’s catalyst for better conversations, has announced the launch of the SPHERE Fellowship, a premier international program that embeds students in centers of global significance to practice the art of constructive, high-stakes dialogue. Read More

Lamar Alexander, BA’62, continues a six-decade journey on the path of public service, one that famously began with a thousand-mile trek across Tennessee in his signature red-and-black plaid shirt. However, for the Vanderbilt community, his legacy is rooted even deeper—stretching back to his days as an undergraduate, serving as editor of The Vanderbilt Hustler and a key student voice of support for racial integration at the university. Soon, a variety of activities led by the university will allow the broader community to learn more about his storied history and engage with the former Tennessee governor and U.S. senator. Read More

Anchored in community and powered by participation, this Giving Day was a powerful reminder of what our faculty, staff and students make possible together. Read More

In many ways, the stigma around mental health has started to soften in recent years, especially as more public figures speak out about their struggles and as more resources become available at Vanderbilt and beyond. But donors Diana Grant, BA’85, and Daniel Frey are committed to taking this progress even further. Read More

Vanderbilt University has appointed Kevin Galloway as the next faculty director of the Ingram Scholars Program, effective July 1. Galloway, the Evans Family Executive Director of the Wond’ry and a research associate professor of mechanical engineering, will succeed Kelly Goldsmith, who has served as faculty director since January 2024. Goldsmith will step down from the role at the conclusion of the academic year to expand her new role as associate provost for strategic initiatives in undergraduate education.  Read More

Vanderbilt students are turning ideas into impact through the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant program, a Student Affairs Belonging and Communities initiative designed to support projects that build meaningful partnerships and create positive, lasting change at Vanderbilt and beyond. Read More

Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, medical therapeutics, software and advanced materials often begin in university labs, but turning those discoveries into real-world solutions requires investment. At this year’s Southeast Venture Showcase, hosted by Vanderbilt University, 44 startups worked to secure the funding needed to move their ideas forward.   Read More

On Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, Vanderbilt Student Government, James Moore and members of the grounds team will meet at Bishop Commons to celebrate Arbor Day by planting new trees on campus. A collectible pin highlighting the beauty and history of the Vanderbilt University Arboretum will be available while supplies last to those in attendance Read More

When will you feel like you have enough? From panic-buying to FOMO to the relentless drive for “more,” why does the fear of “running out” sharpen our focus while also dictating some of our most irrational behaviors? Listen to this Quantum Potential podcast for a fascinating conversation with scarcity expert and professor of marketing Kelly Goldsmith. Read More

Emblazoned on the former site of Vanderbilt’s Stadium Club on West End Avenue, Nissha Medical Technologies’ brilliant blue logo was a vivid presence overlooking a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the company’s Engineering & Innovation Center of Excellence. Together with university leaders and government officials, Nissha officially opened the center’s doors on April 17, marking the beginning of an extended collaboration that will create opportunities to develop medical devices and technology—a key research area for the university.  Read More

During the Spring Faculty Assembly on April 9, nine faculty members received awards for their significant impact through scholarship, research, creative expression, service, teaching or mentoring. The chancellor also spoke about Vanderbilt’s strength even during uncertain times.  Read More

Former first lady of the United States Jill Biden will discuss her new memoir, View from the East Wing, on Monday, June 8, at Vanderbilt University. Biden will be in conversation with a special guest beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Langford Auditorium. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Read More

Mentorship shapes every phase of student development at Vanderbilt, from the direction of students’ research papers to their careers and aspirations. But its impact is especially strong in the lab of F. Peter “Fred” Guengerich, PhD’73, in the department of biochemistry. Read More